Despite opposition from the business community, Michigan regulators are advancing mandatory ergonomics rules. The issue has moved through the state's General Industry Safety Standards Commission and the Occupational Health Standards Commission. The next step is public hearings before a rule could be adopted by the state OSHA program. If that happens, Michigan would join California as the only states with their own ergonomics standards.

Advocates see such a rule as a plus for workers and an advantage for the economy because it would contribute to reductions in injuries and workers' compensation costs. Opponents, including business groups such as the National Federation of Business (NFIB), disagree. Charlie Owens, state NFIB director, calls the possibility of an ergonomics standard "a terrible development for employers in Michigan that are already juggling multiple challenges just to keep their doors open." He says an ergo rule would amount to a giant "do not enter" sign for those seeking to do business in the state.